Last Name Brants

The surname Brants is of Dutch and German origin. It is derived from the Old High German "brant" meaning "raven" or "eagle." This surname can also be found as Braun (German for brown) due to the similarity in pronunciation. In some cases, it might have been a nickname for someone with raven-black hair or a fierce personality resembling that of an eagle.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Brants

The meaning and origin of the last name Brants

The surname Brants is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "brant," which means raven. It was originally a nickname for someone who was thought to resemble a raven, perhaps due to physical features or personality traits. Over time, this name evolved into a hereditary surname, passed down through generations within families. In English-speaking countries, the spelling of the name may have been influenced by the French form "Bran" or the Dutch form "Van Brant," both meaning "of the raven." Today, the surname Brants is relatively common in Germany, but it can also be found in other parts of Europe and in North America, where German settlers brought the name with them.

Geographical distribution of the last name Brants

The surname Brant, a variant of the Dutch and German van der Braant, has a dispersed yet notable geographical distribution across several countries. Origins trace back to the Netherlands, where it remains common, particularly in the province of North Holland. Emigration waves during the 17th century led to its spread among descendants to various parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium, and France.

In the Americas, the surname Brant is prominent in the United States, particularly in states with historical Dutch or German settler populations such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Additionally, it can be found in Canada, notably in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia due to similar migration patterns from Europe.

Further afield, Brant is present in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and Argentina, indicative of global migrations throughout history. The name's geographical distribution reflects its historical roots and the diaspora of populations with Dutch or German ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Brants

The surname Brants has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Brandt(s), Brant(e)s, von Brants, Brandtsen, Brandtzeg, and de Brandt. These variations may be found in various countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, and France. The name originated from the Germanic personal name "Brando" or "Brandr," meaning sword, with the addition of the Old Norse suffix "-tt" or "-tzeg" to form the surname.

Famous people with the last name Brants

Notable individuals bearing the surname Brant include:

1. Petra Ecclesiastes Maria Gabriela Schlesinger von Knoringen Brant (born 1981), known professionally as Petra Ecclestone, an English socialite and heiress to the fortune amassed by her father Bernie Ecclestone through his management of the Formula One group.

2. Elon Lucius Branstrom (1895–1962), a Danish-American chemist who co-discovered the Bransted-Lowry acid-base theory.

3. John Brant (born 1957), an American journalist and author, best known as the founding editor of SPIN Magazine.

4. Gisele Caroline van der Veer Brant (born 1980), popularly known as Gisele Bündchen, a Brazilian supermodel who is considered one of the highest-earning models in the world.

5. Augustus Brant (1763–1823), an American lawyer and politician who served as the 1st Comptroller General of the United States from 1803 to 1814.

Genealogical research on the last name Brants

The Brants surname is of Dutch and German origin, derived from the given name Brandt, a diminutive of the name Brand, which means "sword" or "fire." In the Netherlands, the name was predominantly found in the provinces of Utrecht and Overijssel, while in Germany, it was most common in the region of Westphalia.

In North America, the Brants family is known for several notable figures. Adriaen Brant (1632-1701) immigrated to New Amsterdam (now New York City) and became a prominent merchant and mayor. His great-grandson, William Brant (1726-1809), was a loyalist officer during the American Revolution.

In Canada, Simon Brant (1742-1809) led a group of Iroquois to British forces in 1784, and his descendants played significant roles in the political life of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The Brants family is also connected with the founding of the Canadian town of Brantford, Ontario, named after Sir Isaac Brant (1763-1854), a Mohawk chief who served as a mediator between the British and various Native American tribes.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Brants"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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